EA has refused to modify loot boxes in FIFA 18

By Jessie Wade

Electronic Arts has refused to comply with the Belgian government's gambling laws that were put in place earlier this year, which declared loot boxes in certain video games illegal. Due to this, the Belgian government has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into EA, according to Eurogamer.

First reported by the Dutch publication Metro, the game EA was told needed to be modified to reach the new standards of the law, is FIFA 18 – as it is not transparent what items players will receive in the Ultimate Team Packs or loot boxes.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson said during an investor call last May that they do not consider the FIFA 18 loot boxes to be a form of gambling, and that EA is always thinking about its players and "how to deliver these types of experiences in a transparent, fun, fair, and balanced way.”

"We don't believe that FIFA Ultimate Team or loot boxes are gambling," Wilson said. "Firstly, players always receive a specified number of items in each FUT pack, and secondly we don't provide or authorise any way to cash out or sell items or virtual currency for real money."

Wilson had also said in May that EA is, "working with all the industry associations globally and with regulators in various jurisdictions and territories, [and] have established that programs like FIFA Ultimate Team are not gambling."

The Belgian Gaming Commission suggested the loot boxes be modified with clear labels of it being a form of gambling, along with the odds of winning. They said that publishers who do not comply will face criminal charges.

Jessie Wade is a news writer for IGN. Connect with her on Twitter @jessieannwade and let her know if you think these loot boxes should be considered a form of gambling.